DISAGGREGATE ACCESS MODE AND STATION CHOICE MODELS FOR RAIL TRIPS

In this study disaggregate probability choice models are developed for access mode and for access station selection. In each of the models, there are at least two available to the individual traveler. A multinomial logit model that is based on the axiom of the independence of irrelevant alternatives is used. Two methods of approach concerning travelers' decision-making processes are used. The first is the simultaneous approach, which assumes that the traveler may make the access mode and station choice decisions in one of two sequences: station choice preceding mode choice or mode choice preceding station choice. In the sequential approach, the choices of access mode and access station are modeled separately. Results suggest that the traveler's decision-making process for the access mode and station choices is behaviorally separate, the sequence being station choice followed by access mode choice. The study also shows that travelers do not assign the same weights to the set of transportation system attributes when making these decisions and that the pedestrian and bus modes are preferred to the automobile mode. For the station choice, the accessibility of the train station has the greatest effect on the traveler's decision.